Passive haptics as reference for active haptics

ABSTRACT

An electronic device may include a housing ( 100 ), a display ( 102 ) disposed in the housing ( 100 ) and including an interface surface ( 112 ) arranged for user contact and a reference haptic ( 108 ). The interface surface ( 112 ) includes an active haptic output that provides a time-dependent haptic output and a reference haptic ( 108 ) disposed on the housing or the interface surface to provide a time-independent haptic output related to the time-dependent haptic output. The combination of active and reference haptics on an electronic device, such as a wearable display device, can convey information to a user without requiring the user to look at the device.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a U.S. National Stage Application ofPCT/CN2015/082441, filed Jun. 26, 2015, which application is herebyincorporated by reference. To the extent appropriate, a claim ofpriority is made to the above disclosed application.

BACKGROUND

Electronic devices have become an integral part of everyday life formany people. Many of these electronic devices, including portabledevices (e.g., laptops, phones, and tablets) and wearable devices (e.g.,bands and watches), include display screens upon which content isdisplayed for visual consumption by the user. Thus, for example, a useris required to look at her device to do almost any task, includingtelling time, determining a sender of a received message or e-mail, andthe like. It can be inconvenient, distracting, and in some socialsettings, rude, to divert attention to view a device screen.

SUMMARY

This application describes an improved electronic device that conveysinformation to a user via haptics disposed on the device. In at leastone example, a device described herein includes a display screen havingan interface surface at which a changing haptic output is perceptible toa user. The device also includes a reference haptic related to thechanging haptic output. The reference haptic may be disposed on theinterface surface or on a device housing. Both the changing hapticoutput and the reference haptic are perceptible via user contact withthe device, e.g., by touching the device. In some implementations, theuser can contemporaneously contact both the interface surface (and thusthe changing haptic output) and the reference haptic. Using thereference haptic as a landmark or a contextual positioning device, theuser may be able to interpret information conveyed via the changinghaptic output without looking at the device.

This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in asimplified form that are further described below in the DetailedDescription. This Summary is not intended to identify key features oressential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended tobe used to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The detailed description is described with reference to the accompanyingfigures. In the figures, the left-most digit(s) of a reference numberidentifies the figure in which the reference number first appears. Thesame reference numbers in different figures indicate similar oridentical items.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an electronic device incorporatingactive and passive haptics according to one or more examples of thisdisclosure.

FIGS. 2A-2C are plan views illustrating various example states of theelectronic device of FIG. 1 in an example application using the device.

FIGS. 3A and 3B are plan views illustrating various states of theelectronic device of FIG. 1 in an example application using the device.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an electronic device incorporatingactive and passive haptics according to one or more example embodimentsof this disclosure.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an electronic device incorporatingactive and passive haptics according to one or more example embodimentsof this disclosure.

FIGS. 6A-6C are plan views illustrating various states of an electronicdevice incorporating active and passive haptics according to one or moreexamples of this disclosure.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram depicting components of an example electronicdevice, such as the electronic device illustrated in FIG. 1.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram depicting an example process of conveyinginformation to a user with active and reference haptics.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Examples of the present disclosure are directed to, among other things,techniques and systems for conveying information to a user via anelectronic device, in some instances without the need for the user tolook at the device.

The techniques and systems disclosed herein utilize active haptics toconvey information and reference haptics to convey context for thatinformation. In some implementations, an electronic device may include ahousing, a display disposed in the housing and including an interfacesurface arranged for user contact, and a reference haptic also arrangedfor user contact. An active haptic output may be provided at theinterface surface, perceptible to the user via user contact with theinterface surface. The reference haptic provides a time-independenthaptic output that is related to the active haptic. In someimplementations, for example, the first haptic and the reference hapticare disposed for contemporaneous or substantially simultaneous usercontact, for the user to receive information without looking at theelectronic device.

As used herein, the term “haptic” refers to a feature, condition, orsignal that is perceptible by touch, as well as to the devices andstructures that impart such conditions or signals. Thus, for example,“haptic output” generally refers to a feature, condition, or signal thatis generated and is perceptible by a user through touch. A “haptic” mayinclude a surface feature such as an indentation, protrusion, or textureand/or a perceived surface feature, such as a perceived friction on asurface, e.g., resulting from modulating surface friction of a glasssubstrate.

As also used herein, the term “haptic display” or “active hapticdisplay” generally refers to a type of display that includes aninterface surface at which a haptic output may be provided. The hapticoutput may be provided by haptics integrated into the display, or by aseparate haptic component, layer, or supplement configured to implementthe haptic aspects. Some haptic displays include a glass panel and thehaptic output is achieved by modulating surface friction at areas of theglass. In some examples, the surface friction at areas of the glass maybe modulated using piezoelectric actuators arranged at the periphery ofthe device. Driving actuators on opposite edges of the glass, e.g., atan ultrasonic frequency may cause the glass to move in a directionnormal to the glass panel. This movement can trap air between the userfingertip and the glass, effectively reducing the friction between thefinger and the glass, causing the user to feel a change in friction atthe surface. Other glass-panel haptics may use an electrostatic effectto modulate the surface friction of the glass. In these examples, atransparent conducting layer and an insulator are placed on the glasssurface. When an electric signal is sent to the conducting layer, anopposite charge is realized in the fingertip. Varying the electricalsignal strength changes the user's perception, resulting in the feelingof roughness on a smooth glass surface. Other, mechanical hapticdisplays also are known. In these examples, the surface may include adeformable, e.g., plastic, surface that can, using actuators, be causedto change a surface topography. The foregoing are non-limiting examplesof haptic display technologies.

Various examples, scenarios, and aspects are described further withreference to FIGS. 1-8.

FIG. 1 illustrates an example electronic device 100 that incorporatesactive and passive haptic feedback for conveying information to a userof the device 100. As illustrated, the device 100 is embodied as awearable electronic device, such as a bracelet, a watch, or a band. Thedevice 100 generally includes a display 102 visible to a user wearing orotherwise interacting with the device 100. A housing 104 holds thedisplay screen 102 as well as any and all additional electroniccomponents associated with the device 100. A strap 106 is illustrated,also. The strap 106 may incorporate a fastener or latch (not shown) topromote retention of the device 100 on the wearer. The device 100 alsoincludes three reference haptics 108 a, 108 b, 108 c (collectively,reference haptics 108) disposed on a surface 110 of the housing 104.

The display 102 is illustrated schematically in FIG. 1 and may beimplemented using any number of display technologies. A top surface ofthe display 102 provides a user interface surface 112. Via the userinterface surface 112, a user may view content displayed on the device100. As will be described in more detail below, the display 102 is ahaptic display, capable of providing a haptic output. For example, thedisplay 102 may include components that modulate a surface friction ofthe interface surface 112. The modulation of surface friction isperceptible via user contact with the interface surface 112. Forexample, modulating surface friction at selected areas of the interfacesurface can give the effect to a user of different surface texture,e.g., a roughness, instead of a smooth surface where friction is notmodulated.

The housing 104 may be sized and shaped to contain the components of thedisplay 102 behind the interface surface 112, as well as otherelectronics and computing components necessary for functioning of thedevice. Depending upon the device, desired aesthetics, and the like, thedevice may take different sizes and shapes.

The strap 106 is provided as an illustrative mechanism for allowing theuser to wear the device 100. The illustrated straps may be formed as apart of the housing 104, or they may be fabricated separately, forsubsequent attachment. Other or additional devices may be incorporatedto facilitate use of the device. Although the device 100 is illustratedas a wearable electronic device, the electronic device 100 need not bewearable. Moreover, features and aspects of this disclosure may beincorporated into wearable devices other than the device 100illustrated. By way of non-limiting example, features and aspects ofthis disclosure may be incorporated into glasses, a ring, a necklace, ahat, a belt, a glove, or the like.

The reference haptics 108 are features that provide a tactile sensationto a user of the device 100. In the illustrated examples the referencehaptics 108 are provided as stationary protrusions extending from thesurface 110, which is a side of the housing 104. In FIG. 1, thereference haptics 108 a, 108 b, 108 c comprise three spaced-apartprotrusions, although more of fewer may be provided. Moreover, althoughthe reference haptics 110 are illustrated as protrusions, some or allcould instead be formed as indentations or other features that areperceptible by user touch.

FIGS. 2A-2C are plan views of the device 100 and illustrate a userexperience of interacting with the device 100. In those figures, a usermay interact with the device by contemporaneously contacting theinterface surface 112 and the side surface 110. For example, the user'sright thumb may contact the interface surface 112 and the user's rightforefinger may contact the side surface 110. Sliding the thumb and theforefinger along the respective surfaces, for example, in a directionalong arrow 202, will allow the user to feel contemporaneously theinterface surface 112 as well as the reference haptics 108 on the sidesurface 110.

In implementations of this disclosure, the display 102 is a hapticdisplay controllable to provide a haptic output at a portion or theentirety of the interface surface 112. Thus, the interface surface maybe smooth, such as a piece of glass, or a haptic output may be perceivedon the interface surface 112. In FIGS. 2A-2C, cross-hatching is used toillustrate a haptic portion 204 of the interface surface 112. The hapticportion 208 is a portion at which the haptic output is perceptible. If auser were to touch the interface surface 112 other than in the hapticportion 204, the interface surface 112 may feel smooth or otherwiseunaffected, whereas the haptic portion 204 would create a differenttactile perception. For example, the haptic potion 204 may feel rough tothe touch. Thus, in FIG. 2A, the haptic portion 208 of the interfacesurface 112 at which the haptic output is perceptible is a relativelysmall portion, proximate the bottom (in the illustration) of theinterface surface. In FIG. 2B, roughly half of the interface surface 112includes the haptic portion 204 and in FIG. 3B, nearly all of theinterface surface 112 includes the haptic portion 204.

FIGS. 2A-2C represent three different times in one application of thepresent disclosure, in which the size of the haptic portion 204 varieswith time. For example, the display 102 may be controlled to linearlyincrease the size of the haptic portion 204 relative to the interfacesurface 112 for a given time period. By way of example, the given timeperiod may correspond to a duration of an event, and the size of thehaptic portion 208 will increase during the duration of the event, untilthe haptic portion consumes substantially all of the interface surfaceapproaching the conclusion of the time allotted for the event. In a morespecific example, the device 100 may be worn by a user giving a livepresentation, with the presentation scheduled to last for one hour. Inthis example, as time elapses, the haptic output becomes perceptible atthe interface surface 112. For example, at the start of thepresentation, there is no active haptic output on the interface surface112. FIG. 2A may represent the state of the device after approximately15 minutes, FIG. 2B may represent the state of the device afterapproximately 30 minutes, and FIG. 2C may represent the state of thedevice after approximately 45 minutes. By contacting the interfacesurface 112, e.g., dragging a single finger along the interface surface,the presenter may have some information about an amount of time elapsedrelative to an amount of time remaining.

However, contacting both the interface surface 112 and the referencehaptics 108 will provide more precise information to the user. Forexample, if the interface surface has a length L, reference haptic 108 amay be disposed at a position corresponding to L/4, reference haptic 108b may be disposed at a position corresponding to L/2, and referencehaptic 108 c may be disposed at a position corresponding to 3L/4. Thus,as the user moves her thumb and forefinger along either direction of thearrow 202, the user can interpret the correspondence of the size of thehaptic portion 204 relative to the position of the reference haptics 208to know, within a relatively small window, how much time has elapsedand/or how much time remains for the presentation. For example, the usermay interpret the state shown in FIG. 2C as a notification that fewerthan 15 minutes remain, and therefore the presentation should be drawingto a conclusion.

As will be appreciated, in the foregoing example, a presenter may useimplementations of this disclosure to track time, without diverting eyecontact from the audience to look at a clock, timer or other device. Insimilar implementations, the haptic portion 204 may decrease in size astime elapses, for example going from extending across substantially allof the interface surface 112 near the beginning of the time andeventually going away proximate the end of the presentation. In stillother implementations, the haptic portion 204 may maintain apredetermined size and shape, but move from a start position, e.g.,proximate a top edge or bottom edge of the interface surface 112, to apositon proximate the other of the tope edge or the bottom edge.

Other uses and applications also are contemplated. For example, thedevice 100 could be used in a similar manner by an attendee of thepresentation, to avoid obvious time-checking. Similarly, an athletecould determine how far into a paced or timed workout she is, withoutthe need for looking at her watch or a timer.

In other implementations, the device 100 may not be associated with aspecific event, but could be used to track time more generally. Forexample, it may be common for some users to think about time in 15minute increments. For instance, if asked the time, many may reply with“about 11:15” when it is 11:12 or “a half past 7” when, in fact, it is7:34. As detailed above, the device 100 as configured may be useful toeffectively determine 15 minute intervals up to an hour. Thus, assumingthe user knows the hour, he can readily estimate the minute with closeenough approximation within that hour, without looking at the device100.

Modifications to the example described with reference to FIGS. 1, 2A,2B, and 2C also will be appreciated. For example, while the exampledescribed a one-hour duration for the event, the duration may beselected by the user, for example using an application installed oraccessible through the device 100. Other time-dependent uses will beappreciated by those having ordinary skill in the art, with the benefitof this disclosure.

The device 100 may also be used for time-independent applications. Forexample, the device 100 may be able to determine movement or distancetravelled. Thus, for example, a user desiring to walk a mile mayassociated each of the reference haptics with a quarter mile, forexample, and the active haptic will change to indicate actual distancetravelled. Thus, the user may, by touching the active haptic portion andthe reference haptics, ascertain a distance travelled and/or distanceremaining.

Moreover, the device 100 may be capable of receiving information, suchas via phone calls, text messages, emails, or the like. While it isconventional to alert a recipient via haptic output, e.g., via avibration, of receipt of an incoming communication, conventionalapplications also then require the user to look at the device todetermine a sender or originator of the incoming correspondence. Inexamples of the present disclosure, information about such receivedinformation may be conveyed to the user without the need for the user tolook at the device. For example, different senders, such as in a contactlist, may be prioritized and the priority may be used to control a sizeor position of the haptic portion 204. An example is illustrated inFIGS. 3A and 3B.

In FIGS. 3A and 3B, the device 100 varies the position of a hapticoutput 302 depending upon the incoming correspondence. For example, ifan incoming text message is from a high priority individual, the hapticportion 302 may be positioned closer to a top edge of the display 102,such as illustrated in FIG. 3B. Conversely, if the receivedcorrespondence is from a lower priority individual, the haptic portion302 may be positioned proximate a bottom edge of the display 102, asillustrated in FIG. 3A. In this example, the haptic portion 302 is asmall lateral band arranged along the interface surface 112 with theposition of the band varying depending upon the priority level. A usercontacting the device can readily discern the position of the band usingthe reference haptics. When the band is adjacent the reference haptic108 a, as in FIG. 3A, correspondence is lower priority, whereas when theband is adjacent the reference haptic 108 c, the user can readilyidentify that the correspondence is higher priority.

In other implementations, instead of adjusting the position of thehaptic portion 302, a higher priority may be conveyed to a user byincreasing the area of the haptic output. In the foregoing examples, auser may be alerted to an incoming correspondence via conventionalmeans, such as an audible cue (e.g., a ring or tone) or a tactile cue(e.g., a vibration), but may contact the device in the manner describedabove to determine whether immediate attention should be paid to thecorrespondence. Thus, the user need not continually look to the deviceto determine whether incoming correspondence is or is not important.

In each of the foregoing examples, the reference haptics 108 areprovided as reference points on a side of the device 100 that providetactile context for information conveyed via an active haptic output onthe device. The position and number of the reference haptics may bevaried, for example, to provide different reference points.

Other modifications and variations also are contemplated. For example,FIG. 4 shows an example in which a device 400, similar to the device 100described above includes a display 402 disposed in a housing 404. Inthis example, however, reference haptics 406 a, 406 b, and 406 c aredisposed as areas of varying texture, instead of three bumps orprotrusions. In FIG. 4, reference haptic 406 a is a cross-hatchedfeature, which may have the feeling of a knurled surface, referencehaptic 406 b is a plurality of parallel lines which have the feeling ofa series of ridges on the surface, and reference haptic 406 c is aplurality of small bumps or dimples, which will give a completelydifferent tactile sensation. As will be appreciated, more or fewerreference haptics may be provided, and with additional or other surfacefeatures.

Varying the textures may provide a different aesthetic, but a similarfunctionality. Specifically, the device 400 may be used in much the sameway as the device 100 described above. That is, each reference hapticprovides tactile context to an active haptic on the interface surface.When only three reference haptics 406 a, 406 b, 406 c are provided, eachmay comprise a third of the length L of the display, as opposed to thequartering of the display accomplished by having three spaced haptics,as in the device 100. In additional implementations, the surface area,number, and the like of the reference haptics 406 may be increased ordecreased, and other features may also be changed.

Although in the devices 100, 400 described above the reference hapticsare disposed on the side of the housing, in other implementations, thereference haptics may be disposed on additional or other surfaces of thehousing. For instance, reference haptics may be disposed on both sidesof the housing, e.g., to enable additional ways of interacting with thedevice. For example, it may allow a user to interact with the deviceusing either his right or left wrist.

In still other examples, one or more reference haptics may also oralternatively be disposed on a top surface of the housing, e.g.,directly proximate the interface surface 112. An example of such anexample is illustrated in FIG. 5, in which an electronic device 500includes a display 502 retained by a housing 504. The display 502includes an interface surface 506 at which an active haptic output maybe felt by a user, as in examples described above. An active hapticportion 508 is a portion of the interface surface 506 at which thehaptic output is perceptible to the user, and as in previous examples,may be varied, e.g., by position, size, shape, or the like, to conveysome information, such as time, a characterization of an incomingcorrespondence, or the like. The device 500 also includes referencehaptics 508 a, 508 b, 508 c (collectively reference haptics 508) whichmay be protrusions, indentations or any surface feature perceptible viauser contact. Placing the reference haptics 508 proximate the interfacesurface may allow the user to more readily interact with the device. Forexample, the user may slide a single finger, such as in a direction ofarrow 510, to simultaneously contact the interface surface 506 and thereference haptics 508. Alternatively, the user may slide two fingers,e.g., in the direction of the arrow 510, one generally along theinterface surface 506 and the other along the reference haptics 508.

As in previous examples, characteristics of the active haptic portion506, e.g., the size, shape or location of the active haptic portion 506,are varied to provide different information. The reference haptics 508are provided as tactile references to assist in understanding thedifferent information conveyed by the active haptic portion 506. In someimplementations, the reference haptics 508 provide a spatial orpositional awareness on the device and/or relative to the interfacesurface 506, and the changing, active haptic output relates to aspecific event, e.g., time relating to the event, priority of receivedcorrespondence, etc.

Other modifications to the device 500 also are contemplated. Forexample, while FIG. 5 shows the reference haptic regions as being nextto, or adjacent, the interface surface, in other implementations thereference haptics may be incorporated into the display. For example,FIG. 6 illustrates an example in which an electronic device 600 includesa display 602 retained by a housing 604. The display 602 is a hapticdisplay that can be controlled to provide one or more areas at which ahaptic output is perceptible via user contact with an interface surface606 of the display 602. By controlling the haptic output at theinterface surface 606, both active and reference haptic outputs can begenerated.

For example, FIG. 6 illustrates three reference haptics 608 a, 608 b,608 c (collectively, reference haptics 608), which are areas or regionsat which a haptic output is perceptible via user contact with theinterface surface, and an active haptic region 610 at which a hapticoutput also is perceptible via user contact with the interface surface606. In implementations, the reference haptics 608 a, 608 b, 608 c mayfunction in much the same manner as the reference haptics 108, 406, 508described above. For example, a user contacting the device will perceivethe reference haptics 608 a, 608 b, 608 c as having a texture, e.g., anon-smooth texture, different from the rest of the interface surface 606in much the same manner that a user would feel the topographicallyoffset reference haptics 108, 508 or the textured reference haptics 406.More specifically, a user sliding her finger along the interface surface606, such as in a direction of arrow 612 along line 614, will feel arelatively smooth surface proximate a top edge 616 of the interfacesurface 606, a textured surface at the reference haptic 608 c, a smoothsurface beneath the reference haptic 608 c, a textured surface at thereference haptic 608 b, a smooth surface beneath the reference haptic608 b, a textured surface at the reference haptic 608 a, and a smoothsurface beneath the reference haptic 608 a, proximate a bottom edge 618of the interface surface 606. In some examples, each of the referencehaptics 608 may have the same texture, whereas in other examples some orall of the reference haptics 508 can have different textures.

The active haptic region 610 may be controlled in much the same manneras the haptic portions described above. For example, the haptic portionmay increase or decrease in size or change location to identify apassage of time, to convey information about received correspondence,and the like. Thus, the device 600 may function in the same manner asthe devices 100, 400, 500 described above.

Unlike examples described above, however, the reference haptics 508 maybe changed, e.g., depending upon a specific application. For example,consider again the scenario described above with respect to FIGS. 1, 2A,2B, and 2C, in which the user is making an hour-long presentation. Withthe fixed reference haptics 108, the reference haptics were disposed at1/4L increments, thereby corresponding to 15-minute intervals. While, asillustrated in FIG. 6, the reference haptics 608 may be similarly spacedon the device 600, a user may prefer to know when 5 or 10 or 15 minutesremain or when 10 minutes has elapsed and 10 minutes remain, or soforth. In implementations of this disclosure, the user may be able todetermine the position(s) of the reference haptic(s), e.g., via a userinterface or an application interface. Accordingly, in some examples,the reference haptics are present only for the duration of the event,and are not perceptible at other times. Thus, in the example of thepresentation, the reference haptics 508 will be perceptible for theduration of the meeting and the active haptic portion will change astime passes. In contrast to previous examples in which the referencehaptics are fixed, before and after the meeting, the reference hapticsmay not be perceptible at all.

Although the device 600 is illustrated as displaying the active hapticportion 610 and the reference haptics 608 side-by-side on the interfacesurface, other arrangements also are contemplated. For example, theactive haptic portion 610 and the reference haptics 608 may overlap. Insome examples, the reference haptics may extend completely across theinterface surface (e.g., between opposite lateral edges of the interfacesurface), and the area of the active haptic portion will increase toeventually cover the entire interface surface. In this example, thereference haptics may provide a first tactile perception while theactive haptic portion may have a different tactile perception. In someexamples, the tactile perception of the reference haptics and the activehaptic portion may be the same, but with a higher intensity beingpresent at the overlapping regions to allow the user to discern betweenthe areas including and not including the reference haptics.

Thus, the examples described with reference to FIG. 6 contemplateadjustable reference haptics, for example, which are application or usespecific. Other types of adjustable or reference haptics may also oralternatively be used. For example, physical reference haptics like thereference haptics 108 described above may be movable on the device. Inone implementation, one or more of the reference haptics are disposed ona track or slider that allow for user manipulation of the relativeposition of the respective haptic(s). In other examples, referencehaptics may be provided on a case or skin that can be selectivelycoupled to the device that incorporates the haptic display. In thismanner, the user may have a plurality of skins or cases, each for adifferent use. In still other implementations, actuators or the like maybe provide, e.g., in the housing of the device, that are actuable tophysically deform the housing, thereby creating a reference haptic.Thus, in some examples, the actuators may create selective surfacefeatures on surfaces of the housing.

The active haptic portions (and reference haptics, when provided on theinterface surface) may result from modulating surface friction at theuser interface surface. In other implementations, the active hapticportion and/or the reference haptics may also result from physicalchanges at the interface surface. For example, some conventional hapticdisplays use a polymeric top sheet that can be contoured to create avarying topography at the interface surface. This haptic technology mayalternatively be used, or used in combination with, the frictiontechnology described above.

FIG. 7 is an illustrative schematic of an electronic device, such as theelectronic device 100 of FIG. 1. The electronic device 700 may be acomputing device that is configured to include a plurality of hapticoutputs.

The device 700 is illustrated in FIGS. 1-6 as representing a wearabledevice, such as a wrist-worn device, although the device may representany number of electronic devices, including but not limited to, a laptopcomputer, a desktop computer, a smart phone, an electronic readerdevice, a mobile handset, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a portablenavigation device, a portable gaming device, a game console, a tabletcomputer, a portable media player, and so on. In some instances, thedevice 102 may comprise a mobile device, while in other instances thedevice 102 may comprise a stationary device.

The device 700 may be equipped with one or more processor(s) 702, memory704, a display 706 including an interface surface 708, user control(s)710, and/or one or more sensor(s) 712. Although not illustrated in FIG.7, the device 700 may also include or be associated with one or morenetwork interfaces, a power source, other input and/or output peripheraldevices (e.g., a mouse, a non-integrated keyboard, a joystick, amicrophone, a camera, a speaker, a printer, etc.), and/or other elementstypically associated with a computing device. Some or all of the abovecomponents of the device 700, whether illustrated or not illustrated,may be in communication with each other and/or otherwise connected viaone or more buses or other known means. Such connections are illustratedschematically in FIG. 7.

The one or more processor(s) 702 may include a central processing unit(CPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), a microprocessor, and so on.Alternatively, or in addition, the processor(s) 702 may include one ormore hardware logic components. For example, and without limitation,illustrative types of hardware logic components that can be used includeField-programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs), Program-specific IntegratedCircuits (ASICs), Program-specific Standard Products (ASSPs),System-on-a-chip systems (SOCs), Complex Programmable Logic Devices(CPLDs), etc. The processor(s) 702 may be operably connected to and/orotherwise in communication with the memory 704 and/or other componentsof the device 700 described herein. In some embodiments, theprocessor(s) 702 may also include on-board memory configured to storeinformation associated with various operations and/or functionality ofthe processor(s) 702.

The memory 704 may include one or a combination of computer readablemedia operably connected to the processor(s) 702. Computer readablemedia may include computer storage media and/or communication media.Computer storage media includes volatile and non-volatile, removable andnon-removable media implemented in any method or technology for storageof information such as computer readable instructions, data structures,program modules, or other data. Computer storage media includes, but isnot limited to, phase change memory (PRAM), static random-access memory(SRAM), dynamic random-access memory (DRAM), other types ofrandom-access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), electricallyerasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), flash memory or othermemory technology, compact disk read-only memory (CD-ROM), digitalversatile disks (DVD) or other optical storage, magnetic cassettes,magnetic tape, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices,or any other non-transmission medium that can be used to storeinformation for access by a computing device. In contrast, communicationmedia embodies computer readable instructions, data structures, programmodules, or other data in a modulated data signal, such as a carrierwave, or other transmission mechanism. As defined herein, computerstorage media does not include communication media.

The device 700 may communicate with one or more like devices, servers,service providers, or other like components via one or more networks(not shown). The one or more networks may include any one or combinationof multiple different types of networks, such as cellular networks,wireless networks, Local Area Networks (LANs), Wide Area Networks(WANs), Personal Area Networks (PANs), and the Internet. Additionally,the service provider may provide one or more services to the device 700.The service provider may include one or more computing devices, such asone or more desktop computers, laptop computers, servers, and the like.The one or more computing devices may be configured in a cluster, datacenter, cloud computing environment, or a combination thereof In oneexample, the one or more computing devices provide cloud computingresources, including computational resources, storage resources, and thelike, that operate remotely to the device 700.

The memory 704 may include software functionality configured as one ormore “modules.” The term “module” is intended to represent exampledivisions of the software for purposes of discussion, and is notintended to represent any type of requirement or required method, manneror organization. Accordingly, while various “modules” are discussed,their functionality and/or similar functionality could be arrangeddifferently (e.g., combined into a fewer number of modules, broken intoa larger number of modules, etc.). Further, while certain functions andmodules are described herein as being implemented by software and/orfirmware executable by the processor 104, in other embodiments, any orall of the modules may be implemented in whole or in part by otherhardware components of the device 700 (e.g., as an ASIC, a specializedprocessing unit, etc.) to execute the described functions. In someinstances, the functions and/or modules are implemented as part of anoperating system. In other instances, the functions and/or modules areimplemented as part of a device driver (e.g., a driver for a touchsurface), firmware, and so on. Modules, whether characterized assoftware, firmware or otherwise, are ultimately implemented in hardware,for example, within a programmed processor, FPGA, or other circuit, andthis hardware may be located in a local device or in a remote locationsuch as a datacenter. As illustrated in FIG. 7, the memory 704 mayinclude a haptic output module 714 and a user interface module 716.Although not shown in FIG. 7, in additional embodiments, the memory 704may additionally or alternatively include one or more additionalmodules. Although in the architecture of FIG. 7 the modules 714, 716 areillustrated as being included in the device 700, alternatively, themodules 714, 716 and/or other modules associated with the device 700 maybe included in the service provider or network described above. As such,in some instances the device 700 may act as an input/output device thatreceives user input and outputs content, while the service providerperforms functions for classifying user input, learning information, andother operations.

The haptic output module 714 may control haptic outputs from the device702. For example, the haptic output module 714 is illustrated asincluding or being otherwise associated with an active haptic controller718 that controls the active or changing haptic outputs described indetail above. The active haptic controller 718 may control the shape,the duration, the intensity, and/or other features of active hapticoutputs perceptible at the interface surface 708 of the device 700. Insome embodiments, such as the examples described in connection withFIGS. 6A-6C, the haptic output module 714 may also include or otherwisebe associated with a reference haptic controller 720. For example, thereference haptic controller 720 may control the shape, location and/orother features or characteristics of configurable reference haptics. Insome implementations, instead of including the active haptic controller718 and the reference haptic controller 720, a single haptic controllermay control both active and reference haptic outputs.

The user interface module 716 may receive user inputs, for example, toinform functioning of the haptic output module. For example, via theuser interface module the user may choose applications that use thehaptic output functioning of this disclosure. In some examples, a usermay select a timer application to execute functioning such as the timingfunctioning described above with reference to FIGS. 2A-2C. The user alsomay set a duration for a meeting. Also via the user interface module,the user may prioritize contacts, e.g., for use in the applicationdescribed above with reference to FIGS. 3A and 3B.

The user interface module may receive user input via interaction with atouch surface, which may be the interface surface 708 associated withthe display 706 and/or some other input device. The touch surface maycomprise any type of digitizer configured to detect a touch contact. Thedetection may be based on capacitive, optical, or any other sensingtechnique. In one example, the touch surface includes a touch pad (alsoknown as a track pad) having a tactile sensor to sense touch, pressure,and/or force (of an area of contact). Alternatively, or additionally,the touch surface may include a touch screen. In some instances, thetouch surface may be implemented as a device that includes a touch padand a mouse (e.g., a combination touch pad-mouse device external to orintegrated with the device 700). Further, in some instances the touchsurface may be implemented as a touch screen display configured todisplay content, while the touch pad may not be configured to displaycontent.

The display 706 may present content in a human-readable format to auser. The display 706 may be reflective, emissive, or a combination ofboth. Reflective displays utilize incident light and includeelectrophoretic displays, interferometric modulator displays,cholesteric displays, and so forth. Emissive displays do not rely onincident light and, instead, emit light. Emissive displays includebacklit liquid crystal displays, time multiplexed optical shutterdisplays, light emitting diode displays, and so forth. When multipledisplays are present, these displays may be of the same or differenttypes. For example, one display may be an electrophoretic display whileanother may be a liquid crystal display.

The display is shown in example embodiments in a generally rectangularconfiguration. However, it is understood that the display may beimplemented in any shape, and may have any ratio of height to width.Also, for stylistic or design purposes, the display may be curved orotherwise non-linearly shaped. Furthermore the display may be flexibleand configured to fold or roll.

Moreover, a benefit of this disclosure may be that a user can interactwith an electronic device without looking at the device. In someexamples, the device may not include a visual display at all. Thus, inexamples described above, the display 706 may function only to providehaptic outputs. For ease of use and interaction, such a device may besynced with or otherwise communicate with a device that includes avisual display.

The user controls 710 may be any device via which a user can interactwith the device 700. The user controls 710 may include, but are notlimited to, a keypad, a keyboard, navigational keys, a power controlbutton, a touchpad, and so on. User input at the user controls may beused by the user interface module 716.

The sensor(s) 712 may include other features or mechanisms that senseenvironmental conditions. For example, sensors may include inertialsensors (e.g., accelerometer, gyros, pedometer, etc.), location sensors(e.g., GPS), health sensors (e.g., heart rate monitor, etc.) and thelike. Data from these sensors may be collected and conveyed to the uservia the device, e.g., represented by the active haptic.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram illustrating a process 800 of conveyinginformation to a user via haptics on an electronic device, such as thedevices described above.

At 802, the process 800 provides a plurality of reference haptics. Thereference haptics may be provided as features on the device perceptibleby touch. The reference haptics may be physical features, such asprotrusions, indentations, surface finishes and so forth formed on asurface of the device. In other implementations, the reference hapticsmay include a haptic output perceptible by a user upon contacting ahaptic display surface. The reference haptics may be provide anenvironment or context that a user may use to orient his or her sense oftouch relative to the device.

At 804, the process 800 optionally receives a user input. The user inputmay select an application to be executed by the device. Moreover, thereceived user input may set parameters for an application, such as bydefining a duration of a meeting to be timed using the device, byaccepting user classifications of contacts or correspondence types,and/or by establishing other preferences or instructions.

At 806, the process 800 controls an active haptic region. The activehaptic region is sized, shaped, positioned and/or the like to conveyinformation to the user. In examples described in detail above, theinformation may include time-dependent information, such as an amount oftime elapsed/remaining in an event, or time-independent information,such as an indication of receipt of correspondence and additionalinformation about that correspondence. The active haptic region isdiscernible contemporaneously with the reference haptic(s) provided at802, to convey complete information to a user.

EXAMPLE CLAUSES

A: An electronic device includes an active haptic display comprising aninterface surface disposed for user contact; an active haptic controllerconfigured to generate a varying haptic feedback perceptible via usercontact at the interface surface; and a reference haptic disposed foruser contact contemporaneous with the user contact at the interfacesurface, the reference haptic providing information related to thevarying haptic feedback.

B: The electronic device of paragraph A, wherein the active hapticcontroller generates the varying haptic feedback by modulating a surfacefriction at the interface surface.

C: The electronic device of paragraph A or paragraph B, wherein theactive haptic display comprises a glass substrate and a plurality ofpiezoelectric actuators disposed about a periphery of the glasssubstrate or a conducting layer and an insulating layer disposed on theglass substrate.

D: The electronic device of any of paragraphs A through C, wherein thevarying haptic feedback comprises a first haptic feedback and thereference haptic comprises a second haptic feedback perceptible via usercontact with the interface surface.

E: The electronic device of any of paragraphs A through D, furthercomprising a housing, wherein the active haptic display is disposed inthe housing and the reference haptic is disposed on the housing.

F: The electronic device of any of paragraphs A through E, wherein ahousing comprises a band for retaining the electronic device on a user'swrist and the reference haptic is disposed on a side of the housingproximate the interface surface.

G: An electronic device includes a housing; a display disposed in thehousing and including an interface surface arranged for user contact,the interface surface including a first haptic providing atime-dependent haptic output; and a second haptic disposed on thehousing or the interface surface and providing a time-independent hapticoutput related to the time-dependent haptic output.

H: The electronic device of paragraph G, wherein the display comprises asheet of glass and the first haptic modulates a surface friction of thesheet of glass.

I: The electronic device of paragraph G or paragraph H, wherein thesecond haptic comprises a protrusion or an indentation disposed in thehousing.

J: The electronic device of any of paragraphs G through I, furthercomprising a case at least partially covering the housing and whereinthe case includes the second haptic.

K: The electronic device of any of paragraphs G through J, wherein thesecond haptic comprises a plurality of second haptics.

L: The electronic device of any of paragraphs G through K, wherein aplurality of second haptics are spaced from each other.

M: The electronic device of any of paragraphs G through L, wherein aplurality of second haptics include haptics having at least twodifferent surface textures.

N: The electronic device of any of paragraphs G through M, wherein thefirst haptic is coupled to a haptic controller configured to vary thetime-dependent haptic output relative to each of a plurality of secondhaptics.

O: A method of conveying information via an electronic device having aninterface surface arranged for user contact, the method including:generating, at a first time, a first haptic output perceptible by usercontact with the interface surface; generating, at a second time, asecond haptic output perceptible by the user contact with the interfacesurface; and providing, at the first time and at the second time, one ormore reference haptics arranged for user contact contemporaneous withthe user contact with the interface surface.

P: The method of paragraph O, wherein the generating the first activehaptic output and the generating the second active haptic comprisemodulating a surface friction at the interface surface.

Q: The method of paragraph O or paragraph P, wherein the providing theone or more reference haptics comprises generating a third haptic outputperceptible by the user via user contact with the interface surface.

R: The method of any of paragraphs O through Q, wherein the third hapticoutput is imperceptible by the user before the first time and after thesecond time.

S: The method of any of paragraphs O through R, wherein the one or morereference haptics comprise a surface feature on the housing.

T: The method of any of paragraphs O through S wherein a surface featurecomprises at least one of a protrusion, an indentation, or a surfacetexture.

CONCLUSION

Although the techniques have been described in language specific tostructural features and/or methodological acts, it is to be understoodthat the appended claims are not necessarily limited to the features oracts described. Rather, the features and acts are described as exampleimplementations of such techniques.

The operations of the example processes are illustrated in individualblocks and summarized with reference to those blocks. The processes areillustrated as logical flows of blocks, each block of which canrepresent one or more operations that can be implemented in hardware,software, or a combination thereof. In the context of software, theoperations represent computer-executable instructions stored on one ormore computer-readable media that, when executed by one or moreprocessors, enable the one or more processors to perform the recitedoperations. Generally, computer-executable instructions includeroutines, programs, objects, modules, components, data structures, andthe like that perform particular functions or implement particularabstract data types. The order in which the operations are described isnot intended to be construed as a limitation, and any number of thedescribed operations can be executed in any order, combined in anyorder, subdivided into multiple sub-operations, and/or executed inparallel to implement the described processes. The described processescan be performed by resources associated with one or more device(s) 102and/or 108 such as one or more internal or external CPUs or GPUs, and/orone or more pieces of hardware logic such as FPGAs, DSPs, or other typesof accelerators.

All of the methods and processes described above may be embodied in, andfully automated via, software code modules executed by one or moregeneral purpose computers or processors. The code modules may be storedin any type of computer-readable storage medium or other computerstorage device. Some or all of the methods may alternatively be embodiedin specialized computer hardware.

Conditional language such as, among others, “can,” “could,” “might” or“may,” unless specifically stated otherwise, is understood within thecontext to present that certain examples include, while other examplesdo not include, certain features, elements and/or steps. Thus, suchconditional language is not generally intended to imply that certainfeatures, elements and/or steps are in any way required for one or moreexamples or that one or more examples necessarily include logic fordeciding, with or without user input or prompting, whether certainfeatures, elements and/or steps are included or are to be performed inany particular example. Conjunctive language such as the phrase “atleast one of X, Y or Z,” unless specifically stated otherwise, is to beunderstood to present that an item, term, etc. may be any of X, Y, or Z,or a combination or sub-combination thereof.

Any routine descriptions, elements or blocks in the flow diagramsdescribed herein and/or depicted in the attached figures should beunderstood as potentially representing modules, segments, or portions ofcode that include one or more executable instructions for implementingspecific logical functions or elements in the routine. Alternateimplementations are included within the scope of the examples describedherein in which elements or functions may be deleted, or executed out oforder from that shown or discussed, including substantiallysynchronously or in reverse order, depending on the functionalityinvolved as would be understood by those skilled in the art. It shouldbe emphasized that many variations and modifications may be made to theabove-described examples, the elements of which are to be understood asbeing among other acceptable examples. All such modifications andvariations are intended to be included herein within the scope of thisdisclosure and protected by the following claims.

The invention claimed is:
 1. An electronic device, comprising: an active haptic display comprising a non-deformable interface surface disposed for user contact; an active haptic controller configured to generate a varying haptic feedback perceptible via user contact at the non-deformable interface surface by modulating a surface friction at the non-deformable interface surface; and a reference haptic disposed for user contact contemporaneous with the user contact at the non-deformable interface surface, the reference haptic providing tactile context for information conveyed via the varying haptic feedback such that the information provided by the varying haptic feedback relative to the reference haptic is specific to a combination of a position of the reference haptic with respect to the varying haptic feedback.
 2. The electronic device of claim 1, wherein the active haptic display comprises a glass substrate and a plurality of piezoelectric actuators disposed about a periphery of the glass substrate or a conducting layer and an insulating layer disposed on the glass substrate.
 3. The electronic device of claim 1, wherein varying haptic feedback comprises a first haptic feedback and the reference haptic comprises a second haptic feedback and a third haptic feedback configured to provide a different tactile sensation than the second haptic feedback.
 4. The electronic device of claim 1, further comprising a housing, wherein the housing comprises a band for retaining the electronic device on a user's wrist and the reference haptic is disposed on a side of the housing proximate to the non-deformable interface surface.
 5. The electronic device of claim 1, wherein the varying haptic feedback and the reference haptic overlap at the non-deformable interface surface.
 6. The electronic device of claim 1, wherein the reference haptic is provided at a non-deformable interface surface on a side of a housing proximate to the active haptic display at the non-deformable interface surface.
 7. The electronic device of claim 3, wherein the second and third haptic feedback provide a context to the first haptic feedback.
 8. The method of claim 1, wherein the reference haptic is a protrusion.
 9. An electronic device, comprising: a housing; a display disposed in the housing and including an interface surface arranged for user contact, the interface surface including a haptic providing a time-dependent haptic output; a first static haptic feature disposed on the housing or the interface surface and providing a first time-independent haptic perception related to the time-dependent haptic output; and a second static haptic feature disposed on the housing or the interface surface and providing a second time-independent haptic perception related to the time-dependent haptic output that is different from the first time-independent haptic perception, wherein information conveyed via a combination of a position of the first static haptic feature relative to a position of the haptic is different from information conveyed via a combination of a position of the second static haptic feature relative to the position of the haptic.
 10. The electronic device of claim 9, wherein the display comprises a sheet of glass and the haptic modulates a surface friction of the sheet of glass.
 11. The electronic device of claim 9, wherein the first haptic feature comprises a protrusion or an indentation disposed in the housing.
 12. The electronic device of claim 9, wherein the first static haptic feature comprises a plurality of spaced apart haptic features.
 13. The electronic device of claim 9, wherein the interface surface includes a non-deformable surface configured to provide a plurality of different tactile sensation by modulating a surface friction of the non-deformable surface.
 14. A method of conveying information via an electronic device having an interface surface arranged for user contact, comprising: generating, at a first time, a first haptic output perceptible by user contact with the interface surface; generating, at a second time, a second haptic output perceptible by the user contact with the interface surface; and providing, at the first time and at the second time, a plurality of reference haptics associated with the first haptic output and the second haptic output and arranged for user contact contemporaneous with the user contact at the interface surface, wherein a position of each of the plurality of reference haptics provide tactile context for information conveyed via a combination of a first one of the plurality of reference haptics and the first haptic and information conveyed via a combination of a second one of the plurality of reference haptics and the second haptic.
 15. The method of claim 14, wherein generating the first active haptic output and generating the second active haptic comprise modulating a surface friction at the interface surface.
 16. The method of claim 14, wherein providing the plurality of reference haptics comprises generating third and fourth haptic outputs perceptible by the user via user contact with the interface surface, the third and fourth haptic outputs each providing a different tactile sensation.
 17. The method of claim 16, wherein the third haptic output is imperceptible by the user before the first time and after the second time.
 18. The method of claim 14, wherein the plurality of reference haptics comprise a surface feature on a housing and the surface feature comprises at least one of a protrusion, an indentation, or a surface texture.
 19. The method of claim 14, wherein generating the first active haptic output and generating the second active haptic includes modulating a surface friction of a non-deformable surface.
 20. The method of claim 14, wherein at least one of the plurality of reference haptics is provided at a non-deformable interface surface on a side of a housing proximate to the active haptic display at the non-deformable interface surface. 